Where is Çimenli Geçidi?

Where is Çimenli Geçidi?

Turkey, europe

Length

77 km

Elevation

2,337 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Çimenli Geçidi is calling, a mountain pass soaring to 7,667 feet in Turkey's Erzurum Province. You'll find this beauty in the Eastern Anatolia region, way up in the northeast.

The road? Smooth as butter – fully paved, so no need for a heavy-duty off-roader! Just be ready for some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting 9% in places. Hope your engine's ready for a workout!

The whole shebang stretches for 48 glorious miles, winding from Esendere up to Oltu in a south-to-north direction. Good news: it's usually open year-round. Bad news: those crazy winter storms can shut things down on a dime, so keep an eye on the weather forecast. You'll be driving through some seriously stunning scenery, though, so have your camera ready!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Turkey
Continent
europe
Length
77 km
Max Elevation
2,337 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

Where is Morra del Buitre Located?extreme

Where is Morra del Buitre Located?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, itching for adventure, and the Sierra Nevada feels a little *too* touristy. I've got just the ticket: Morra del Buitre. This hidden gem in the Sierra de Castril Natural Park is a proper off-road challenge. Tucked away in the northern reaches of Granada province, practically kissing the Jaén border, Morra del Buitre is a natural balcony overlooking the seemingly endless forests. Don't expect smooth tarmac here, folks. This is a rugged, unpaved climb that demands respect (and a high-clearance 4x4). The track from the paved road is just under 7 kilometers, but those kilometers pack a punch. You'll be grinding up a sustained 10-15% gradient, navigating loose limestone and dodging ruts that Mother Nature herself carved out. Some sections cling to the mountainside, so hold tight! The views? Absolutely worth it. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Bearded Vulture (Quebrantahuesos) soaring above. Seriously impressive! Quick tip: avoid the scorching summer months when the heat and dust are brutal. Spring, with the chance of lingering snow on the peaks, or autumn, are the sweet spots. Just be aware that winter snow can shut down sections above 1,800m for weeks. Get ready for the off-road adventure of a lifetime!

A Wild 4x4 Road to Col du Bouchet in the Massif de la Vanoisehard

A Wild 4x4 Road to Col du Bouchet in the Massif de la Vanoise

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Bouchet: Europe's Ultimate High-Altitude Challenge Ready for one of Europe's wildest driving experiences? Col du Bouchet is a beast of a mountain pass sitting pretty at 3,004 meters (9,855 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France. This isn't just any peak—it's legitimately one of the highest roads you can drive in the entire continent. Nestled in the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region within the Tarentaise Valley, this route takes you up the Massif de la Vanoise range with some seriously dramatic scenery. Starting from Val Thorens Ski Resort, the adventure spans just 5.1 km (3.16 miles), but don't let that fool you—you'll be climbing 642 meters with an average gradient of 12.58%. Here's the catch: the entire road is unpaved. This is basically a glorified ski-lift service road that hugs the cable car infrastructure all the way to the station at the summit. And we're talking genuinely steep—sections hit up to 25% gradient, which means there are definitely moments of "am I really doing this?" proportions. Fair warning: this route is only accessible from July through September. The rest of the year? Completely impassable. And you'll absolutely need a 4x4—this isn't a drive for regular vehicles. If you're chasing that adrenaline rush and want to summit one of Europe's most extreme roads, Col du Bouchet should be on your bucket list.

How long is Vecchia Strada della Fricca?moderate

How long is Vecchia Strada della Fricca?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of northern Italy, there's this crazy-cool, totally abandoned road called Vecchia Strada della Fricca. Seriously, this place is a relic! We're talking a super-narrow, 2km (1.24 miles) stretch of road, clinging to the side of the Venetian Prealps. This isn't just any road – it’s carved straight into the rock. And get this: there are 9 dark tunnels along the way! Built way back when, this road was crucial during World War I, funneling troops and supplies. Imagine Austrian soldiers retreating along it in 1918! The views connecting the highlands to Valsugana and Trento must have been incredible. Now, for the sad news: Vecchia Strada della Fricca is currently closed. Massive rockfall risk! Barriers are up, so no cars, bikes, or even walking. It's been bypassed by the super-long Fricca Tunnel on the SS349. Still, you can admire this testament to military engineering, while staying safe!

Where is Francesco Petrarca Refuge?moderate

Where is Francesco Petrarca Refuge?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Alps, South Tyrol to be exact, chilling in the Passeier Valley near the Austrian border. You're heading to Rifugio Francesco Petrarca, a mountain hut way up at 2,875 meters (9,432 feet)! Now, heads up, you can't drive all the way. This isn't a road trip for your car – bikes only! Starting from Talplatt, it's about 14.7 kilometers (9.13 miles) to the top, and let me tell you, it's a climb. You're gaining 1,502 meters in elevation, so get ready for an average gradient of over 10%! That's a serious workout with some killer views in the Texelgruppe Nature Park. Oh, and definitely a summer adventure, this road is a no-go in winter.